BookBrowse Reviews Disobedient by Elizabeth Fremantle

Born in Rome in 1593, Artemisia Gentileschi led a successful career as an artist throughout the early 17th century. In recent years, she has come to be regarded by many as one of the most influential and talented artists of the era. However, her career was almost over before it even began, when, aged just 17, she was raped by fellow artist Agostino Tassi. At this time, Christian society was wholly unforgiving when it came to women accused of being engaged in any form of sexual activity outside of wedlock, as it was tied to the social stigma surrounding prostitution. Gossip spread quickly throughout her community, with Gentileschi soon dubbed an immoral "whore" by former friends and neighbors. Her family's reputation in ruins, she was faced with three options: marry her rapist, take Holy orders, or take Tassi to court for his crime and attempt to clear her name. Gentileschi chose the ...